From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Bentley's performance after 32,000 miles, detailing handling, oil consumption, petrol pump issues, and comparisons to other cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\1\ Scan117 | |
| Date | 6th June 1934 | |
| x7961 To "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}" Derby Showrooms SrI/MLG.6.6.34 I am enclosing a copy of my Showrooms Report which I think you will find interesting. To this, I would like to add the following :- First of all, the performance of the Bentley was remarkable as one must take into consideration that the Bentley has now covered 32.000 miles " hard batting". This car, since we have changed the axle and front springs is decidedly better, in fact, I am willing to say normal. However, on undulated cambered roads, it is almost impossible to steer a straight course at high speeds. By this I mean that as one lacks any sort of apprehension one is tempted to drive at high speeds on these roads and on this occasion the car takes quite a lot of handling. It is almost impossible to keep this car straight at any speed superior to 120 kms on the above mentioned type of roads. Your views on this point would be greatly appreciated. Oil consumption : Using XL covering 2000 kms, I utilized IO litres of oil. From my Showrooms Report you will see that the car was severely put through its paces- batting is hardly the correct word to use when wishing to convey the correct impression. In spite of this, the oil consumption strikes me as being too heavy and the temperature continually varies between 85° to 95° when being driven hard over long stretches of straight roads. Petrol pumps- After the performance at the Puy-de-Dôme, one of the petrol pumps would not cease functioning unless switched off. I flooded the carburetters to make sure that there was no lack of petrol. This was of no avail and I was inclined to attribute this to a vapour lock. When the car had completely cooled down, this pump functioned again normally. Is this possible with the other pump still functioning? Points of interest- Mr. Michelin who owns almost every type of cars, states definitely that the air-flow Chrysler is hopeless on French roads. On his first run from Clermont-Ferrand to Paris, which he does regularly three times a week and has done for the last 20 years; he piled up the engine of the air-flow , two pistons having given out. 8-cyl. Ford- excellent car - no brakes. Mr. Michelin tried this car from Clermont-Ferrand to Paris in his own time , 4 hour I/2 piled up the engine- Valve trouble here. Chevrolet with Dubonnet springing - Mr. Michelin informed me this was a very good car and very pleasant to handle on French roads and stands up to its work very well. The ventilating system of the Chevrolet is he considers the best. He also owns Packard, Buick and numerous others. .../ | ||